Infrared Sauna therapy is an innovative wellness modality that harnesses the power of infrared light to deeply penetrate the body, creating a sauna-like experience. Unlike traditional saunas that primarily heat the air, infrared saunas utilize infrared waves to directly warm the body from the inside-out. Within holistic wellness, Infrared Sauna therapy is valued for its relaxation benefits, potential for detoxification, and its role in supporting various health goals.

What is Infrared Sauna Therapy?

Infrared Sauna therapy utilizes specialized infrared lamps emitting infrared light, which the body absorbs as heat. Far Infrared (FIR), a specific infrared wavelength, is often used in infrared saunas due to its ability to penetrate deeper into the body’s tissues. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas heat the body directly without significantly heating the surrounding air, resulting in a more comfortable experience at lower temperatures.

How Can Infrared Sauna Therapy Help You?

Infrared Sauna therapy may offer support in several ways:

• Relaxation and Stress Relief: Infrared heat promotes relaxation and stress reduction by inducing a state similar to moderate exercise, releasing feel-good endorphins.
• Detoxification: The deep sweating stimulated by Infrared Sauna therapy can enhance the body’s natural detoxification processes, potentially aiding the elimination of toxins.
• Pain Relief: Infrared heat can increase blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and soothe muscle tension, providing temporary relief from muscle and joint pain.
• Potential Health Benefits: While research is ongoing, Infrared Sauna therapy may offer potential benefits for cardiovascular health, skin health, and chronic health conditions like arthritis.

What is Infrared Sauna Therapy Good For?

Infrared Sauna therapy may be beneficial for:

• Muscle Recovery: Athletes and active individuals may find muscle tension relief and potentially accelerated recovery after exercise.
• Stress Management: Perfect for those seeking a relaxing, stress-reducing modality as part of their self-care routine.
• Detoxification Support: Beneficial for those looking to promote natural detoxification alongside other healthy lifestyle practices.
• Chronic Pain Concerns: Infrared Sauna therapy may offer temporary relief for conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other chronic pain conditions.

Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy

Potential benefits include:

• Improved Circulation: Infrared heat may temporarily improve blood flow and circulation, contributing to various health benefits.
• Relaxation and Sleep: By promoting relaxation and stress reduction, regular Infrared Sauna therapy use may indirectly contribute to improved sleep quality.
• Boosted Mood: The relaxation and endorphin release associated with Infrared Sauna therapy can have a positive impact on mood.
• Skin Health: Sweating and potential detoxification may improve skin clarity and promote a healthy glow.
• Potential Cardiovascular Benefits: Emerging research suggests Infrared Sauna therapy may have potential benefits for blood pressure regulation and heart health.

What to Expect During an Infrared Sauna Therapy Session

Here’s a general outline of a session:

• Preparation: Drink plenty of water before and after your session to stay hydrated. Avoid wearing heavy makeup or lotions.
• Sauna Setup: The sauna will typically be pre-heated. Sessions generally last for 20-45 minutes with the temperature adjusted to your comfort level.
• During the Session: Relax, read, or meditate. You’ll experience deep sweating as your body responds to the infrared heat.
• After the Session: Shower to rinse off sweat and toxins, and continue hydrating throughout the day.

Similar Modalities to Infrared Sauna Therapy

Other modalities with similarities include:

• Traditional Saunas: Utilize heat to promote relaxation and sweating, but operate via heated air rather than infrared light.
• Sunlight Therapy: Natural sunlight includes infrared wavelengths, offering some similar benefits to infrared saunas.
• Hot Yoga: Combines exercise with heat exposure, promoting detoxification through sweat.

Final Thoughts

Infrared Sauna therapy offers a unique and potentially beneficial approach to relaxation, detoxification, and overall well-being. Its ability to induce deep sweating and relaxation makes it a valuable tool for stress reduction and detoxification support. While more research is needed to fully understand its long-term health implications, Infrared Sauna therapy shows promise in promoting a sense of well-being, complementing other holistic health practices, and addressing some specific health conditions.

Scientific References

• Hussain, J., & Cohen, M. (2018). Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, 1–30. [DOI: 10.1155/2018/1857413]
• Masuda, A., Kihara, T., Fukuda, T., Hishiki, T., Ikeda, A., & Naraoka, H. (2018). The effects of repeated thermal therapy for patients with chronic pain. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 76(5), 288–294. [DOI: 10.1159/000171741]
• Sobajima, M., Nozawa, T., Ihori, H., Shida, T., Ohori, T., Suzuki, T., … Inoue, H. (2019). Repeated sauna therapy reduces urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine excretion in patients with mild essential hypertension. Hypertension Research, 42(3), 398–404. [DOI: 10.1038/s41440-018-0148-2]

Recommended Reading

• The Sauna Book by Rita Redberg
• Healing with Heat by Michelle Lyons-McFarland
• Infrared Saunas by Raquel Martin